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[Feizi (Torreya Seed)]
Sweet, astringent, warm, toxic.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats evil qi in the abdomen, expels the three parasites (roundworms, pinworms, and tapeworms), snakebites, gu poison, guizhu (a chronic wasting infectious disease), and fushi (latent malignant diseases).
[Invention]
Torreya seeds are fruits of the lung organ. Their nature is warm and dispersing to qi, thus they can remove evil qi from the abdomen. For diseases caused by the three parasites, roast them over fire and eat them. If fire is drawn into the lungs, excessive consumption will damage the large intestine. It is suitable for children with yellowish complexion and emaciation due to parasite accumulation; its efficacy is similar to that of *Shijunzi* (Quisqualis Fruit). This can be understood from the indications in *Shennong Bencao Jing*.

[Haisongzi (Pinus Massoniana Seed)]
Sweet, warm, non-toxic.
[Invention]
*Haisongzi* is sweet and warm, benefiting the lung qi and clearing the heart fire. It stops coughing and moistens the intestines, possessing the functions of *Bairen* (Platycladi Semen) and *Maren* (Cannabis Seed), as well as the effects of warming the middle and nourishing yin. It is an excellent medicine for dry coughs caused by dryness-heat phlegm in the heart and lungs.

[Dafuzi (Areca Seed / Betel Nut)]
Bitter, pungent, warm, non-toxic.
[Invention]
*Binglang* (Areca Seed) drains the highest qi in the chest, causing it to descend downward; its nature is heavy like iron or stone, capable of driving other herbs to the lowest extremities of the body. Therefore, it treats disorders of the Chong vessel characterized by rebellious qi and abdominal urgency, and is miraculous in treating various conditions of qi stagnation leading to abdominal distension and tenesmus. For pain in the chest and abdomen caused by parasite or food retention, it is used together with *Muxiang* (Aucklandiae Radix) as an essential herb. Its function specializes in descending qi and reducing distension, expelling water and resolving phlegm, killing parasites and treating dysentery, attacking accumulation and breaking stagnation, stopping malaria and treating hernia, as well as treating hongjiao (podagra/elephantiasis) and zhangli (miasma). However, if taken by individuals with qi deficiency and sinking, or those with thick phlegm and stagnant qi above the diaphragm, their symptoms of fullness and obstruction will worsen. Furthermore, it must absolutely not be used after diarrhea, after malaria, or in cases of deficient cold dysentery. People in the miasma-poison regions of Min and Guang often consume this, usually chewing it wrapped in leaves. The saying "eating it when full makes one feel hungry, eating it when drunk makes one sober" is because it descends qi. The saying "eating it when hungry makes one feel full, eating it when sober makes one drunk" is because the leaves are pungent and warm, capable of opening up internal and external qi to dissipate miasma pathogens.

Namely Dafu Binglang
Pungent, astringent, warm, non-toxic. This substance, like *Binglang*, has a hard texture difficult to slice, requiring soaking in boiling water before cutting. If soaked in water until it becomes turbid and swollen, it not only loses its original properties and flavor but also damages stomach qi.
[Invention]
*Dafuzi* tends to enter the qi level, making it suitable for those with abundant physique and excess dampness. In contrast, *Binglang* primarily governs the blood level, making it suitable for those with abdominal fullness and excess heat. Li Shizhen stated that *Dafu* and *Binglang* have the same efficacy, which seems to fail to grasp this distinction.